UNB News
News and stories from one of Canada’s top universities

Dr. Herb Emery, a pre-eminent economist and public policy scholar, is joining the University of New Brunswick as the Vaughan Chair in Regional Economics.

An advisor to federal and provincial policymakers, Dr. Emery comes to the University of New Brunswick from the University of Calgary. A prominent focus of his research is on the development of the Canadian economy and the persistence of long-standing regional disparities that have existed since Confederation, if not earlier.

“Given his dedication to bringing sound, objective evidence to public policy development over more than 20 years of research and policy experience, Dr. Emery will have an immediate impact on the policy discourse in New Brunswick,” says UNB Vice-President Academic (Fredericton) George MacLean. “We are delighted to have him join us.”

Dr. Emery has been a full professor in economics and research director for The School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary. He has previously been the Svare Professor in Health Economics, a joint position in the Department of Community Health Science in the Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Economics. From 2010 to 2015, he served as managing editor of Canadian Public Policy/Analyse de politiques, Canada's foremost journal examining economic and social policy.

“The Vaughan Chair is a unique opportunity for me to pursue my interest in understanding long-term regional economic development and performance to inform options for promoting growth and prosperity,” Dr. Emery says. “Over my career, I have chosen to study the regions and provinces in which I have been living. With the Vaughan Chair, I will be provided with the time and focus to study a province and region with considerable economic potential for the purpose of helping to realize that potential.

“I am drawn to the University of New Brunswick not only by the research opportunity afforded by the Vaughan Chair but also by the energy and collegiality of the faculty and leaders at UNB I have had the opportunity to meet,” Dr. Emery says.

By working with governments, the private sector and non-profit organizations, the Vaughan Chair provides leadership and capacity in policy development for the region, making Atlantic Canadian provinces leaders in collaboration and creative solutions.

The Vaughan Chair in Regional Economics was initiated in the late 1980s with an endowment from the A. Murray Vaughan family. The Vaughans supported recruiting someone who could both enhance understanding of key economic issues in New Brunswick and the Maritimes, and help develop policies to increase the overall prosperity of the region.

Dr. Weiqiu Yu, chair of economics at UNB, says Dr. Emery will extend and enhance links between researchers at UNB and government to bolster economic development efforts.

“At a time of a shrinking and aging population in New Brunswick, declining industrial base and fiscal austerity, Dr. Emery brings the energy, commitment and experience to help our province meet these challenges head on,” Dr. Yu says.

Dr. Emery holds an MA and PhD in economics from the University of British Columbia. Since commencing his academic appointment with the University of Calgary in 1993, he has assembled a track record of demonstrated excellence in research, teaching and leadership.

About the University of New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada's oldest English-language university. Founded in 1785, the multi-campus institution has a rich history and a dynamic focus on innovation, experiential learning and entrepreneurship. UNB has more than 10,500 students from nearly 100 countries while several thousand more take UNB courses online and at partner institutions around the world.

Media contact: David Stonehouse